Removal Defense Attorney (3-Month Temporary Position)

We are looking for a Removal Defense Attorney (3 month Temp Position) to join our team in Los Angeles!

WHO WE ARE

We are the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Our mission is to advocate for civil rights, provide legal services and education, and build coalitions to positively influence and impact AAPIs and to create a more equitable and harmonious society. We serve more than 15,000 individuals and organizations every year, focusing on the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while also building a strong voice for civil rights and social justice. With our Advancing Justice affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., we enrich, enhance, and serve our communities all across the country.

WHAT WE BRING

• The special opportunity to join a mission driven team
• Flexible, hybrid work schedules
• Rich medical, dental and vision benefits
• Retirement options through 403B and match

WHO YOU ARE

You share our mission of advocacy for AAPIs. You enjoy the thrill of serving the public interest while championing civil rights and social justice. You take pride in your work enriching lives and communities in Los Angeles and across the country. You are looking for your next role in an organization that supports your career as much as you support the organization and its goals. You are looking for a job where you make a difference, and your impact is directly proportional to your contribution. You are a game changer. You are a leader. You are an advocate.

WHAT YOU BRING

• J.D. and active California State Bar License or licensure from another U.S. state 
• Minimum 1 year of removal defense experience 
• At least one year of experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma, and/or working with immigrant and refugee children 
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to frequently changing circumstances, policies, and conditions affecting this dynamic work 
• Passion for social justice for immigrants required 
• Access to reliable means of transportation and driver’s license required  

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Temporary Position (Non-CBU): This role is not covered under the CBA and is limited to a maximum duration of three months. 

Under the direction of the Program Director, this position will be responsible for providing high quality, client-centered representation to individuals facing removal proceedings through zealous direct representation. This position determines eligibility for immigration relief and advises clients, conducts legal research and writing, drafts motions and briefs, prepares court forms, prepares immigration applications, and performs other related legal duties. This position will work directly on complex removal defense cases and will be aiding a high-volume immigration services nonprofit that addresses a sizeable existing removal defense caseload.  

This position will be expected to represent clients in removal proceedings, bond hearings, detention, appeals, writs of habeas corpus, as well as possible ancillary affirmative relief for survivors (VAWA, U & T Visas), Asylum (Affirmative & Defensive), Adjustment of Status, Family Based Petitions, TPS and DACA. This position may also represent clients before USCIS, ICE ISAP (Intensive Supervision Program) check-ins, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. When necessary, this position will help staff evening and weekend removal defense workshops.    

Your day-to-day responsibilities:

75% Provide direct assistance with immigration cases 

• Provide high quality direct representation for diverse clients with complex immigration cases before EOIR and USCIS   
• Represent clients in ICE custody, including travelling to detention centers and other custodial settings  
• Represent clients in custody redetermination hearings, master calendar hearings, individual merits hearings and in ancillary state court proceedings where applicable  
• Represent clients at asylum interviews, credible fear interviews, ICE check-ins and other immigration related appointments
• Prepare briefs, motions, supporting evidence, immigration applications and other documents on behalf of clients 
• Work with country conditions experts, expert witnesses, psychologists, and medical professionals to develop supporting evidence for immigration relief applications 
• Provide technical assistance, legal review, and/or coordination support of Removal Defense workshops and clinics 
• Travel to offsite clinics, immigration courts, detention centers, and USCIS field offices to represent clients in immigration matters 

25% Administrative and Supportive Tasks for Removal Defense Practice  

• Engage with Immigration Project in a team setting to discuss cases, case review, and strategy sessions 
• Review casefiles and Legal Server records for existing cases to upkeep case status, seek best evidences, and proactively strategize for hearings based on coming deadlines 
• Undertake administrative and logistical duties related to removal defense service assistance, including but not limited to; contacting courts, requesting court records and recordings, utilizing ECAS to file motions, evidence, and review records, 
• Work with intake staff to review and approve appointments, provide immigration legal consultations, answer immigration related questions and review documents  
• Other duties as assigned 

At AJSOCAL, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.  AJSOCAL strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or other covered persons, including interns. 

All positions are subject to funding, and non-collective bargaining unit positions are also at will.